BIOS

Via Rail increases security following 'unfounded' threat

Via Rail has added increased police and canine patrols at certain rail stations, following what the company called an "unfounded" threat.

In an email to CTV News, Via Rail Spokesperson Malcolm Andrews said the threat appears to be unsubstantiated, and that the company has already notified police and employees about the situation.

"For some time now, passenger transportation companies globally have been the target of unsubstantiated threats against their facilities," Andrews said. "A threat of this nature was received at VIA Rail recently and the police were informed."

In addition to the additional police and canine patrols, Andrews said employees were reminded to stay vigilant, and Via's Police Service was working with law enforcement to keep passengers safe.

A spokesperson from Metrolinx, the transit company in charge of regional transportation in the Greater Toronto Area, confirmed on Wednesday that there was an increased security presence at Toronto's Union Station.

Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins said the City of Toronto, Via Rail, Metrolinx and the Toronto Transit Commission were working together with Toronto police on the increased security measures.

Aikins said the extra precautions were expected to last at least until the end of the day.